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US and Iran exchange strikes near Strait of Hormuz as tensions escalate

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Posted Sep 13, 2026, 11:00 PM UTC · In the digest of 2026-09-13-2300
US and Iran exchange strikes near Strait of Hormuz as tensions escalate
Photo: Corriere della Sera

US forces destroyed five Iranian vessels near Larak Island while Iran retaliated with missile strikes on US bases in Jordan.

US military forces destroyed five Iranian Revolutionary Guard vessels near Larak Island, claiming the action prevented mine-laying in the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian military sources rejected the mine-laying claims as "pure fantasy" and stated the clash was unrelated to naval mines.

In response, Tehran launched 20 missiles at US bases in Jordan and claimed hits on six maritime vessels, including three tankers and a US aircraft carrier. A fire aboard one affected tanker was reportedly contained.

US President Donald Trump insisted the strategic waterway remains open and described Iranian forces as facing major difficulties. However, American intelligence assessments warned that the Revolutionary Guard feels emboldened and could further escalate the conflict.

Sources: ANSA, Corriere della Sera, Il Messaggero, La Repubblica.

How outlets assessed this

  • Nov 3, 2026, 01:30 AM UTC
    • Corriere della Sera Skeptical Emphasized US assurances that Tehran faces severe difficulties and that the Strait of Hormuz remains open to maritime traffic.
    • La Repubblica Alarmed Focused on Iranian claims of successful strikes against US naval assets and intelligence warnings of escalating Revolutionary Guard confidence.
  • Nov 4, 2026, 12:30 PM UTC
    • Corriere della Sera Cautious Focused on U.S. statements minimizing damage and confirming that maritime fires were contained and shipping lanes remained open.
    • La Repubblica Alarmed Highlighted Iranian missile strike claims and intelligence warnings that Revolutionary Guards feel emboldened to escalate the conflict.
  • Nov 4, 2026, 01:30 PM UTC
    • Corriere della Sera Cautious Emphasised U.S. assertions that the strait remains open and reported on the containment of a damaged tanker's fire.
    • La Repubblica Alarmed Highlighted Iran's claims of targeting U.S. ships and U.S. intelligence warnings regarding potential conflict escalation.
  • Nov 4, 2026, 07:30 PM UTC
    • Corriere della Sera Cautious Emphasized U.S. statements asserting that the Strait of Hormuz remains open and that Iran is facing severe internal hardship.
    • La Repubblica Alarmed Highlighted Iranian claims of striking U.S. naval vessels and cited intelligence warnings regarding an increasingly aggressive Revolutionary Guard.
  • Nov 5, 2026, 01:30 AM UTC
    • Corriere della Sera Cautious Framed the situation around Washington's claims that the passage remains open and fires aboard vessels were contained.
    • La Repubblica Alarmed Emphasized Iranian claims of striking U.S. vessels and intelligence warnings that Revolutionary Guards feel empowered.
  • Nov 5, 2026, 06:30 AM UTC
    • Corriere della Sera Cautious Framed the situation around U.S. assertions that shipping routes remain open and noted that a tanker fire was put out.
    • La Repubblica Alarmed Highlighted Iranian claims of striking U.S. vessels and carrier, alongside U.S. intelligence warnings of heightened escalation risks.
  • Nov 5, 2026, 12:30 PM UTC
    • Corriere della Sera Cautious Emphasized U.S. assertions that the Strait of Hormuz remains open alongside reports of localized fire containment.
    • La Repubblica Alarmed Highlighted Iranian claims of hitting U.S. naval targets and intelligence warnings of potential IRGC escalation.

Sources

Earlier coverage

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